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Rather than address public safety or the legal implications of refusing to cooperate with federal authorities, Frey chose to celebrate Minneapolis’ status as a hub for Somali immigration. “Minneapolis is proud to be home to the largest Somali community in the country,” he said.
He continued by dismissing federal authority entirely, adding: “They are our neighbors, our friends, and our family – and they are welcome in our city. Nothing Donald Trump does will ever change that.”
Then came the moment that left many Minnesotans stunned. In the middle of his remarks, Frey shifted suddenly into Somali, addressing the crowd in a message clearly meant to rally political support: “We love you, we stand with you, we aren’t backing down.”
WATCH:
It wasn’t the first time Frey has chosen to switch into Somali during public speeches, a habit that has repeatedly drawn criticism from conservatives who argue that a U.S. mayor should address the public primarily in English—especially during official governmental events.
Frey’s political reliance on the Somali voting bloc has been clear since his reelection campaign. After surviving a close challenge from state Sen. Omar Fateh—a self-described socialist and Minnesota’s first Somali-American and first Muslim senator—Frey delivered a victory speech largely catered to Somali supporters.
During that speech, Frey once again wove Somali phrases throughout his remarks, thanking the crowd in their native language. The gesture highlighted just how crucial the Somali population has become to his political survival.
He told the audience: “To the great people of Minneapolis, and I say that very intentionally, because no matter where you are from, Minneapolis should be a place where you are proud to call home.”
Frey didn’t stop there. He proceeded to list several Somali regions—an unusual move for an American mayor addressing a local election crowd. “Whether you are from Bosaso or Mogadishu, whether you are from Hargeisa or Garowe, whether you are from Beledweyne or southwest, Minneapolis is a place where you come to seek prosperity, where you come to raise your family.”
And in a final overture to his Somali base, he closed by saying: “Here is what this election means. This election means this is a moment for unity, where the entire Somali community can come together and say, ‘This is our people. This is our city. We are united behind each other.”
As federal authorities reportedly prepare to enforce immigration law, Frey appears to be positioning Minneapolis as a city willing to challenge Washington at every turn—prioritizing political symbolism over federal cooperation. Whether that defiance will win him praise or further backlash remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the battle over immigration enforcement in Minnesota is only heating up.
